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Like most other women living in the glamorous city of New York, treading the line between highly fashionable and highly affordable is no easy feat. There is nothing more thrilling than a truly spectacular find without the hysteria of a discount department store.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Now might be a very good time to check your Dreambox! Until tomorrow night (Sunday, Jan 31) certain things in your Dreambox may be highlighted and eligible for 10% off and free shipping. Feel free to keep throwing things in too, and see what sticks. From what I can see, it is mostly applied to non-apparel items from the Fall/Winter sale (like bags, shoes, random stuff, and things like scarves). Use code "LOVEDREAMBOX". Ends this weekend, Sunday, Jan 31.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm overcome with looking for good costume jewelry. It's been a lot of fun, and I've seen some Lanvin I really love. In my search, I found that ShopBop carries 'vintage' Chanel jewelry (and other accessories)! I must be really behind the times, because I had no idea. Anyways, I am in love with this necklace... $2,650 though... it will have to wait until I get my tax refund :(

Friday, January 29, 2010

Next week you really need to pay attention to RowNine.com. They've planned a bang-on week of sales in anticipation of Valentine's Day. Extra reader bonus: use code "FASHIONPROSPECTRESS" and take an extra 10% off everything until Sunday, Feb 14. I'm so tickled about that! (so they are getting extra huge post from me) And if you're not a member, don't fret, just sign up.

Shanghai Tang makes me happy-- it allows me indulge my asian-ness. Their housewares so luxe-- I love their frames and napkin rings. However, paying such high prices for non-cashmere sweaters is not something I normally consider. Today, though, they make it easier on me. Final reductions in stores now. Ends when it's all gone.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

If you're thinking of locations, dresses, music, and flowers, then you'll want to RSVP to the private preview of J.Crew's wedding sample sale. What's available: "an assortment of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses from previous and current collections" up to 60% off. Seriously, spending an extra $10 has never been a bigger and harder decision in your life than when planning your wedding.

If you patiently waited it out like you said you would for your 2010 resolutions, now's the time to act. BlueBee's sale has hit 70%. In the past it has gone to 80% off, but inventory is pretty cleaned out by then. Free shipping if you go through this link. (Then you'll have to scroll to the bottom to find the sale icon)

Philly girls, Joan Shepp is having (just had?) a basement sale. It started Jan 15-- sorry for the late notice as I didn't learn of this until recently. There's some stuff online too, and I have been staring at this bag because I do need a new laptop bag. I really should get a messenger style nylon which is more practical and lighter. But how I love YSL!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

As much as people like to tout 'vintage' (especially in this economy), I have not wholly bought into it. There are a few upscale resale/consignment shops I like here in NYC (that's for a future post), but overall I find Salvation Army and Goodwill shops pretty gross.

This brings me to my semi-problem, which is my growing obsession with YSL costume jewelry (like this, which I've been stalking for months now). Online, it seems you can only order from YSL.com and Saks. However, experience has taught me that waiting for a sale leaves you with nothing. All the good stuff mysteriously disappears-- where the f does it go!??!

Since I have other needs more pressing than buying YSL jewelry, I went hunting for sales (of course) and stumbled upon RubyLane.com. In all honesty, I have not done a lot of exploring on the site-- I pretty much spent the entire 2 hours browsing the Vintage and Antique jewelry. This site is a treasure trove of fun things at very reasonable prices. I ended up getting this, and I'm really excited!

You can find Mikimoto brooches and strands, and if you like clip-on earrings, some nice pairs of Chanel, YSL, and Dior. Be careful and read each item description thoroughly, though. I saw some vendors 'mistakenly' misspell "channel-set" and it ends up looking like "Chanel set". Or you'll look for brands like Cartier or VCA and get results from a jeweler who once apprenticed or worked there. But there are great bargains in addition to real antique jewelry from Kenneth Lane or Jay Strongwater.

Finally, my coworker Jess' fav sample sale (well, aside from Manolo, of course) rolls around! Starting next weekend, just in time for V-day, find watches (and a selection of fine jewelry) at 50-70% off retail. Usual suspects will be Cartier, Breitling, Movado, B&M, Rado, Tag, etc. There may be Rolex and Patek Philippe, but those will likely be in the pre-owned section and NOT 50% off (maybe 25-30%)

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Update 2: I also remembered I took this photo on the other side of the floor by the non-sorted sale stuff. Obviously a mom was so into it that she didn't care what got lost along the way.

Update: I couldn't make it in yesterday because work was kinda busy, and I met someone for drinks/dinner after work last-minute, so I buzzed over today during lunchtime. Basically, the sale spread is on the 9th floor-- TONS of designers, a lot of merchandise, amazing prices. For a lot of the bigger haute couture names (YSL, Dior, Proenza Schouler, Valentino, Gucci) there isn't a whole lot. However, you can score some wool crepe YSL pants for $292 (retail $975). What there's a good amount of: Missoni, St John, Akris Punto (even coats), Akris, Armani, Ralph Lauren, MaxMara, and a fair amount of Escada. Prices are definitely around 60-70% off level. On the other side of the floor, a good selection of winter coats are also going for great prices-- tons of Cinzia Rocca for $300-400 (retail $900-1000).

What did I get? I didn't have tons of time, so I took a quick tour around. There's no Hugo Boss or RED Valentino (boo!), but I did grab a very nice Burberry sheath dress. Looking online, Bloomingdale's has it in a different color, but the one I got is sparkly dark grey (I seem to be quite into shiny lurex these days). Retail is $650 but on sale it was $195 (25% off $261). Using the $100 giftcard my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday, I paid a whopping $112 for it! Score!! (Be warned, though, the Burberry section is sparse)

There were some shoes on the 8th floor, but the selection was uber crappy, so unless you want $300+ Ferragamo flats or Choo kitten heels, skip it. Should you go? If you're in the neighborhood, I think so.Got the postcard this weekend! Starting Thursday, Jan 21, Saks NYC (and a select few stores in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Boston, D.C. [Chevy Chase], Chicago, Houston [Galleria], and San Francisco) is centralizing sale merchandise and taking an additional 25% off it all, effectively making discounts up to 70%. It will be online too, but I do recommend getting your butt to a store if possible.

No idea if shoes or bags are included, and they don't mention pre-sale-ing.

Update: total willpower FAIL. Got the 3.1 Phillip Lim coat I put in my Dreambox in October which has been full price until yesterday! And then it went from 100% retail to 40% retail! (well, YOOX retail) Ridiculous.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

BlueBee has marked down a nice selection of stuff. For women, there is a fairly nice selection of Alexander Wang, 12th St by Cynthia Vincent, Helmut Lang, Paul Smith, and Me & Ro jewelry. Boys get a mishmash collection heavy on Diesel and Paul Smith, sprinkled with Varvatos, Steven Alan, and others.

Clearing out the clearance. Some of it is pretty old (I bought that pink Emma clutch early last year!) but there are plenty of new editions. Some of the jewelry is definitely catching my eye. Use code "R8T24" and take an additional 25% off. Ends Friday, Jan 29.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Update: Reader Michele reports she did not need her invite to get in, and go for strands, which are over 50% off. No pearl studs though.

"went to the sale today and was never asked to show invitation. no pearl studs...at least for mikimoto...did not look at blue lagoon merchandise. strands were selling like hot cakes - discounts were 50% and higher."

Mikimoto will be hosting their employee sale this weekend at Soiffer-Haskin. I received an invitation a couple of days ago, and the sale details aren't posted on their website. The card doesn't say whether you need a physical invite to get in or not, but I think in sales past you haven't needed one.

This sale, which has price points at 50+% off, usually creates quite the commotion (so go early). They'll have South Sea and Akoya cultured pearl strands as well as pearl jewelry with diamonds and gemstones.

As a member of this earthly population (who is obsessed with shopping and therefore often accused of being superficial), it would be remiss of me not to at least mention the various ways to donate to ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.

Personally, I am donating via UNICEF because I'm anal about making the most of my money (UNICEF USA passes on 100%). Many other great organizations, though, need a portion of the money to sustain their own administration and overhead. Before you hand out your hard-earned cash, I encourage you to do some research and ensure that at least 80% of your money goes to the real cause.

Update: Since I just bought so many pairs of Hanky Panky boyshorts, I was teetering on the edge (do I really need more undies?), but now they went and got me by playing the charity card. During the month of January, Hanky Panky will donate 10% of all sales to the American Red Cross.

Tuleh will be mixed in with Bryan by Bryan Bradley and Angel Sanchez at a sample sale starts Sunday. Not sure what kind of goodies they'll have although discounts are up to 80% (don't know which label that is, though).

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

They're clearing out their bargain bins. Use code "F2X97" to take an additional 15% off the clearance prices, effectively reducing some things to 85% off. Not too shabby, and they still have some cute stuff.

Ah the everlasting quest for flats! I wear mine everyday to/from work, so they get beat up pretty fast. Currently the cheapie pair I got from Off 5th is looking a little worse for wear, so I'm excited to see if there's anything I like at French Sole (they'll be 50% off!). I heard they tend to run a bit narrow, so my fingers are crossed. There's always this gorgeous pair of Taryn Rose flats, but suede scares me. (Incidentally, they are having a nice sale over there too, including boots).

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

You know how you always get sad when you see something you own on super sale? Tonight while having a little looky-loo on ShopStyle.com, I came across my Valentino dress on YOOX. And it's only $98!!! Now granted, I did not pay full-price for mine, (it was ~$300 on Gilt.com), but still, it does make me sad. It is such a classy dress which I wear to a lot of dinners. I love it, especially with a bolero. Such a fanTAStic value for $98.

If you are not already a customer of Inhabit NY, you can join their facebook group for a 10% off coupon (site-wide, on anything). I joined their group anyway, and the code is ... should I tell you? Would it ruin the surprise? "SHOPINHABIT" (Incidentally, that is the same code you get for signing up for their newsletters.)

I am not sure if this is going on in-stores (which would be nice because they carry Paul Smith and Mario Badescue in their shops), but use code "NOWBOARDING" to take 20% off their entire online store. Dangerous because it's so easy to fritter away your cash, $6 at a time on things like anti-bacterial paper soap and insta-paper towels.

Burberry has added some stock to their winter sale. Although the online sale prices still seem rather high (to me), it might be worth it to swing by a boutique and see what they've got on the shelves. I'm just wondering if the jewelry will come down a little bit lower...

California mobile goodness Buttermilk Truck graciously commented on my online private sale post to let me know that JP is having a physical sample sale in Santa Monica, CA. This hurts my heart in two ways: first, of course, being the fact that I am not in CA and cannot attend this sale, but also... a buttermilk breakfast food truck!? That is beyond awesome. Sure in NYC we have a dessert truck and a Korean junk food truck and soon an Artisanal grilled cheese truck as well as a [probably] fancy schmancy Daniel Boulud food truck, but breakfast!

So, if you do hit up the sale tomorrow (Friday), look for sustenance in the form of a large yellow truck.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Kiki de Montparnasse has added some items to their sale section: bras, panties, lingerie, and, if you're feeling frisky, a couple of gags. Just visiting the site is very... inspiring. I would not recommend doing it at work :)

I have bought so much jewelry from RedEnvelope throughout the years, and I think their stuff is quality. My friend Liz had her baby yesterday, so while looking for a present, I saw that they are having their winter sale, which I am such a sucker for. Anyways, just passing the info along. Use this link to get 10% off your order or 15% off if you spend $80+ or $20% off if you spend $125+.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

While I do my sheets and towels with Tide, I do all my clothes with The Laundress products. White wash, dark wash, denim wash, bra/undies wash, wool/cashmere wash, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and I even have the pet wash. (Yes, I have a lot of bottles in my little laundry closet-- I even installed 2 shelves to hold it all.) A few months ago I made my new discovery: Oxiclean powder, which I throw into every single load (2 tbsp/16g). Anyway , just in time for my restocking needs, Daily Candy has a 25% off code for TheLaundress.com! Use code "DCDEALS". Expiration unknown.

YES! As I mention every time, I LOVE JP, and I am all overthis private sale. (You'll need to log-in to access the goods.) One of my fav items in my cart: the 'long textured sweater' which in the coffee color is like, the comfiest Jedi Master get-up ever. My friend and I tried it on in the store, and we were totally geeking out (just not for the $595 price tag). We're not even geeks like that either. Honestly.

With an additional 20% off the winter sale prices, these pieces are priced pretty ridiculously. Who doesn't want a 100% fine-gauge cardigan turtleneck for $158 (or for men, a lightweight cashmere jumper)? [sorry, I just really like saying 'jumper'--esp with an exaggerated Britishy accent. Jum-pah! I could have totally been in a Harry Potter movie.] Usually the only other cashmere options in that price range are the department store private labels or Ralph Lauren lower lines-- if even. Use code "SNOW" for the +20% off until Friday, Jan 8.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Because on cold blustery days like today, no woman can resist marketing like this. (Also, Gilly Hicks, AF's new womens 'lingerie' line, has also marked down a ton of stuff. One of my girlfriends bought me tons of goodies from there for my bday, and I am totally hooked!)